Seeking a diplomacy of amity

The ongoing South China Sea dispute has drawn attention to China's defense policy and military diplomacy. Speaking at the recent Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore, Defense Minister Liang Guanglie reiterated that the Chinese military is committed to enhancing mutual understanding, boosting mutual trust, advancing cooperation, and building a new-type of military-to-military relationship of mutual respect, cooperation and mutual benefit.

A rising China is not interested in establishing its hegemony. It has its own strategic culture that honors diplomatic norms and values in letter and spirit.

China has had many philosophers and sages who have influenced Chinese people's thinking over the ages. Mozi (ca 470-400 BC) was one of them. And though he is not famous as a scholar of international relations, he seriously explored two key questions. How does a country survive in a world full of dangers and ruthless competition? And how can harmony be maintained in the long term?